ROBERT (BOB) ERNEST WATTS

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ROBERT (BOB) ERNEST WATTS Passed away at the Neepawa Hospital on Thursday, June 3, 2004, Bob Watts, aged 68 years, of Plumas, MB. Born October 7, 1935 at Winnipeg General Hospital, eldest son of Kathleen and Frank Watts. While living on Royal Avenue he attended Edmond Dye School and worked for Cold Stream, where he painted appliances and his first car. In his spare time he also made cookie sheets, which he gave to relatives and friends. While hauling coal and sod he met his future wife, Joyce Farmer, whom he married in 1958. In 1959 Randy was born and Ernie followed two years later in 1961. In 1962 Bob and Joyce purchased 120 acres in Gunton and Bob still hauled coal and sod while farming. In 1963 the first daughter, Laurie, came along and Bob started as a mechanic for F & B Transport. The third son, Ken, was born on his dads birthday in 1964. Bob and Joyce continued to farm until 1968. Sharon (Leon) was born in Teulon, then the family moved to Plumas. Bob went back to what he loved to do - he worked as a mechanic for Jack Woelke and Ed Clark in their respective garages. The last child, Susan (Kevin), came along in 1970, a day following Bobs birthday. They purchased the Uhryniuk house in 1972. In 1979 he built a double car garage and work shop, where he spent many hours working with wood, making crafts. In 1985 Bob started working for the R.M. of Westbourne, retiring in 1998. In 1990 Bob and Joyce separated and in 1995 he found a new camper mate in Iris Fischer. In spring of 1998, he underwent surgery on his heart and, getting a clean bill of health, he decided to retire. Bob had a great love for gardening, camping and the outdoors. They made two trips to Alaska, a couple of trips to British Columbia, plus two years of seasonal camping at Shady Oaks in Sidney. Bob was predeceased by his father in June 1974, mother in December 1999, and brother Gordon in August 1998. He will be mourned by his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, two chosen sisters, a sister-in-law, and many, many friends. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the Plumas Cemetery with Rev. George Cargo officiating, followed by a time of fellowship at the Plumas Legion. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation, 730 Taylor Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3M 2K8 or to the Neepawa and District Palliative Care Program, Box 1240, Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Clarkes Funeral Home, Gladstone in care of arrangements. Oh, what would we give to clasp his hand, His dear, kind face to see; To hear his voice, to see his smile, That meant so much to us. His spirit has fled, his sufferings oer, At the fireside he will join us no more.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2004